Succession Crisis and the Norman Conquest

Apr 9, 2025

The Norman Conquest: Succession Crisis of 1066

Introduction

  • Focus on England's succession crisis of 1066.
  • Main question: How strong was William's claim to the English throne?

Background

  • Edward the Confessor: King of England, dying in January 1066.
  • Witnesses at Edward’s Deathbed:
    • Wife Edith
    • Servant Robert
    • Archbishop Stigand
    • Harold Godwinson
  • Edward allegedly commended the kingdom to Harold Godwinson.

Claimants to the Throne

  1. Harold Godwinson
    • Allegedly chosen by Edward on his deathbed.
    • English but not of direct royal bloodline.
  2. Edgar Atheling
    • Direct bloodline to King Æthelred the Unready.
    • Only 15 years old in 1066.
  3. Harald Hardrada
    • Viking with a promise from previous Viking kings.
  4. William, Duke of Normandy
    • Related to Emma of Normandy, sister of Duke Richard of Normandy.
    • Claims throne through familial connections to the English royal family.
  • Emma of Normandy:
    • Married King Æthelred the Unready.
    • Mother to both Edmund and Edward the Confessor.

Historical Context

  • King Æthelred the Unready marries Emma of Normandy.
    • Sons: Edmund and Edward the Confessor.
  • Viking Invasion in 1016 by King Cnut of Denmark.
    • Married Emma and has children: Harold Harefoot and Harthacnut.
    • Cnut's reign until 1035, followed by his sons' reigns.
  • Return of Anglo-Saxon Rule
    • Edward the Confessor becomes king until his death in 1066.
  • Edmund’s Line
    • Son Edward the Exile has a son, Edgar Atheling.

William's Claim

  • Visited by Harold Godwinson in Normandy.
  • Harold allegedly promised to support William’s claim.
  • William prepares for invasion after Harold takes the throne.

Immediate Aftermath

  • Harold Godwinson declared king immediately after Edward's death.
  • Reactions of Other Claimants:
    • Edgar Atheling accepts the decision, follows Witan's advice.
    • Harald Hardrada is far and initially not a threat.
    • William, feeling betrayed, prepares for invasion.

Conclusion

  • William of Normandy's preparation for invasion sets the stage for the Norman Conquest.
  • Next video will focus on the invasion itself.

Full transcript